Children's National Health System – 2015 Children's Ball
Auction Ends: May 8, 2015 09:00 PM EDT

Unique Experiences

Dinner for 8 Onboard the Marco Polo

Item Number
137
Estimated Value
2500 USD
Sold
2000 USD to strongbidder
Number of Bids
11  -  Bid History

Item Description

Enjoy a delicious three course meal for 8 by a private chef onboard onboard the historic Marco Polo. The car was built in 1927, in the twilight of the Golden Age of many great things, including luxurious made-to-order private railroad cars from the Pullman Company of Chicago.

The car has an observation lounge at the entry end which is used as a reception and sitting room, a large dining room with seating for eight, a kitchen (which has been modernized), and four bedroom and bath suites. The car is 74 foot long and nine feet wide.

Operated by the Pullman Company, the car carried many dignitaries, including:

  • Governor of New York Franklin Delano Roosevelt
  • Madame Chaing Kai-Shek
  • The Soong Sisters
  • Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherland
  • President Eduard Benes of Czechoslovakia
  • President Manual Quezon of the Philipines
  • Presidents of Peru, Cuba, Bolivia, Liberia, Paraguay, Haiti
  • J. H. Studebaker
  • W. B. Woolworth
  • Harvey Firestone
  • W. L. Mellon

The car was bought by the Central of Georgia Railroad in 1944 and was later reclaimed by Southern Railway in 1983 and brought to Washington on the centennial of Roosevelt’s birth. It is now permanently at Union Station and is used to host private events.